In general, the people of India are very traditional. Typical Western behaviors can often be misinterpreted, though with a little knowledge, a bit of patience (it's India, after all!), and the spirit of kindness and adventure, you will be able to savor the deliciousness that is India. We can't wait to share India with you!

Managing Jet Lag Symptoms
The following suggestions are recommended to better manage symptoms of jet lag during your travels to India: Adapt to local time as soon as possible after arrival Make sure you get enough sleep during the first night in your new location (avoid last-minute, late-night packing ordeals!)

Eat food that is easy to digest and rich in carbohydrates which facilitates sleep (we often consume foods high in tryptophan, a sleep-inducing amino acid, prior to our flights)

Eat food rich in protein which will help you to feel more alert while you are awake.
Avoid caffeine (chocolates, coffees-- even decaf has come caffeine, some sodas, etc.)

Luggage
Airline workers in India are very strict about luggage weights and limits, and they are quick to charge you an arm and a leg for any overweight luggage. Participants are strongly advised to limit their luggage to one checked piece of luggage and one carry-on per person for the Tour to India. Please remember-- you will be hauling all the suitcases you bring through the airports and through India, and extra luggage will slow the entire travel process for everyone. In addition, it is recommended that you pack lighter on the trip to India, as you will want to save a little (or a lot of??) luggage space to carry home any items and gifts purchased in India. Packing an extra small duffel bag (to use as a second checked bag for the trip home) in your main suitcase will allow you to carry home the extra items you purchase in India. And most people wish they had MORE space when packing for the trip home. We have traveled to India many times, and having less luggage on the way over is a real boon for India travel!

For luggage locks, we recommend airline-friendly TSA-approved luggage locks. They are a replacement for the old-style locks, and they allow the airline security personnel to open your luggage (they have special keys) and lock them again afterwards. Generally, it helps to discourage others from helping themselves to the goodies in your luggage. You can purchase the TSA-approved locks at luggage shops and generally at any place where you've previously purchased luggage locks.

Food Tips in India

Food & Drink
Indian cuisine is a part of the Indian Culture and, as such, it should be sampled. But watch out for the especially spicy dishes. Be careful that you eat non-vegetarian dishes only at good restaurants, as the quality can be dubious at the small, cheap establishments. Beef is not generally eaten in India. Pork, too, is rarely eaten. Curd or yoghurt is an effective and natural aid to digestion. It is advisable to stick to only cooked food and eat fruits that you can peel yourself. Whose skin you can peel off or remove, especially if you have a queasy stomach.

There are various dry days in the year, when liquor cannot be purchased by Indian nationals. However, foreign nationals can purchase liquor on proof of nationality. A few Indian states are completely dry. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in public places in India

If you wish to have a soda, use a straw to drink it, so that you avoid putting the bottle in your mouth. And be careful-- if it's in a glass, request it WITHOUT ICE, as the ice is often made from tap water.

Clothing
Attire on the Indian subcontinent is conservative for both men and women. Only children should wear short shorts in India, and the topless look is best left to the sadhus.

MEN: Cotton trousers are usually more comfortable and allow for greater movement than jeans, though these days; young men are wearing more jeans and have a more "western" look. Though the traditional kurta pajamas are also worn by men (loose, drawstring pants with long tops-- very practical, cool daywear), these days men are most often seen in trousers and shirts. The kurta pajamas can be inexpensively purchased in many of the areas we will be visiting. Loose cotton clothing is recommended for both men and women, especially for our stay in Rishikesh and Delhi.

WOMEN: You should avoid exposing the shoulders, back or chest, and the bare legs. (This means no plunging or deep scoop necklines, no shorts or short skirts, and no bra-less look.) Women should wear long pants, skirts to the ankles, salvar kamij (two-piece cotton outfit with drawstring pants), or saris. These too can be inexpensively purchased and/or custom-made for you when in India. Women have to be fully clothed even when they bathe in the Ganges. We realize that these days there are many more westerners in tourist and we've seen these westerners wearing spaghetti tank tops, shorts, and gauze-like see-through tops, but we highly discourage participants in our group from doing so. While you may chose (and are welcome) to wear only western clothes (such as jeans, pants, and shirts), we strongly discourage you from wearing body-hugging clothes, or clothes that expose the back, chest, or bare legs. India is certainly becoming more and more westernized, but the culture is still much more conservative, and it is wise to approach the culture with respect.

For yoga and meditation classes, you should wear looser fitting outfits, such as the cotton loose pants/kurta pajamas (men) and salvar kamis (women). Leotards and exposed tight leggings are not acceptable in India. Sandals are okay, though it is recommended that you bring shoes for trekking along the hillsides and through towns, as streets are not as tidy as they are in the US. Durable sandals that can be worn in rain or shine are priceless in India! For the mountains, you will want something cooler for the day and plenty of layers at night. For the cooler weather, for example, we would recommend non-cotton long underwear (top and bottom) as the first layer, a turtleneck as the second layer, a zip-up fuzzy layer for insulation (if needed), and a wind/rain jacket for the outer layer. As the day heats up, you will take off layers, and as the day cools down, you'll want to add layers back on. A few extra pair of long johns are nice to have as a "change" of clothes during our stay in the mountains.

Social Norms
Social norms are important in India, and they are quite different than the US. To dress outside the social norm gives the appearance of being a "loose" westerner-- not only does this cause a loss of respect, it invites lewd behaviors from the men. Really! For women-- if you are walking with a man, it is assumed that he is your husband or brother. You will notice that boys and girls are not typically seen together, and there is no dating outside larger cities. What is considered normal in male-female relationships in the US is often viewed as unacceptable in India. Public affection is forbidden, and men and women never touch in public, even if married. Likewise, there are some things that are "normal" in India that are outside of the standard norms in the US. For example, you can see same-sex individuals (including men and military officials) walking hand in hand in India.

Suggested/Useful Items to bring to India
Once you register, a list of suggested items will be sent to you with your confirmation receipt. In addition, we recommend taking a look at our packing list that we've posted online.

Travel Insurance
It is recommended that participants consider purchasing travel insurance for this Tour, to cover any unexpected loss, accident or emergency. The Tour Organizers will take up most care to ensure the safety of the participants. However, in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, Tour Organizer cannot be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in India.

Important Paper Tips
Make three photocopies of your travel documents, especially your passport, and keep one in your checked luggage, one in your carry-on bag, and leave one at home. It will save you a lot of trouble, should your original be stolen or lost. Keep the copies separate from the originals. In addition, you may wish to keep copies of the following travel documents:

• Insurance papers
• Passport
• Personal medical information
• Personal medicine prescriptions
• Vaccination information
• Traveler’s checks

Emergency Contact information (bring yours with you for the Tour, and we will also give you contact information for our stay in India, should you need to be reached while you are in India) In addition, you will need to make a photocopy of your passport to send to the Tour Organizer. It is also recommended that you send the Tour Organizer copies of your travel insurance paperwork, in case they need to be contacted on your behalf.

Gestures
Some of the Indian gestures and body language can be initially confusing to Westerners. There is a "figure of eight" waggle of the head, which generally means "okay" or "yes". For example, if you are bartering for items at a local bazaar and the clerk gives you this expressionless waggle of the head, it means you have a deal (and you've likely done a good job bartering). In addition, when handing something to someone in India, it is proper etiquette to use your right hand. This is especially important at meals, when passing food, etc. Even if you are left-handed, you should always use your right-hand for accepting or passing food to others, shaking hands, etc. In India, toilet functions are performed solely with the left hand (a good practice to remember!), so the left hand is not used for passing food, etc.

Electricity
The electric current in India is 220/ 215 volts and 15 cycles. It is AC practically everywhere. Do not forget to bring converters and round tip socket. Click here for Information and illustrations of electricity, plus and sockets used in the world.

Money and Currency Exchanges
The unit of Indian currency is Rupee. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, government and hotel shops, and so are the traveler’s cheques as well. It is advisable to change your money through authorized banks and hotels. Always keep your receipts as you will need them at the end of your trip if you wish to convert your rupees back to your own currency. Avoid anyone in the street who offers to change your money at a temptingly high rate of exchange, as this is illegal.

Medical Information
If you have diabetes, allergies, asthma or any condition that may require emergency care, always carry some identification (tag, bracelet or card) indicating so and prescriptions of the medicines. It is advisable to also carry a letter from your physician. Be sure to bring sufficient medicines with you, especially if you have physical disorders that require regular use of medications. See the packing list for general suggested medications and remedies for India.

Beggars
Most cities have Beggar Homes to look after indigent persons and to teach them a trade, but professional beggars find begging more lucrative, and they often are driven to approach foreigners. Begging is not an accepted way of life in India, except for specific situations with sadhus and in some socially approved situations. Charity can encourage children to beg, and you are advised to avoid giving charity to anyone on the streets. Beggars can be persistent. If you give money to a beggar, don't be surprised if you are harassed by numerous others looking for donations. If you wish to help them, do so through a recognized charitable organization, not by giving them alms on the streets.

Special Permits
Even with a visa foreign nationals are not allowed everywhere in India. Check with us to get permit if you are planning your journey to the restricted areas.

Sightseeing
Mosques and Temples are not always open to foreigners or women. Dress codes for religious places can include covering your head, being barefoot, etc. If traveling in scorching summer heat, remember to drink enough water and use Sunglasses and a wide rimmed hat. Photography is not always permissible and at many places is permitted only at a fee. There is usually a higher fee for video cameras. Museums and monuments are usually closed one day in a week. Photography at airports is prohibited.

Adventure & Holiday Tourism
India is the ultimate destination of the tourist in search of adventure. Mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing, ballooning and hang-gliding, camel treks and desert safaris, white-water running and river exploration are some of the exciting possibilities. For the tourist in search of fun or sports holiday, there is skiing, scuba diving and underwater coral viewing, angling, wild life and bird viewing. For the sportsman there is golf, tennis, badminton, riding, polo, swimming and motor rallies etc. Tourist who are in search of Sun, sea and surf, there are Beaches on the western & eastern coasts. The larger one provides water sports and an unforgettable holiday in the Sun.

Mountaineering
The greatest adventure of all is scaling the Himalayan peaks. These mighty mountains stretching across the northern borders of India, from west to east, have hundreds of peaks, many of them are yet to be scaled, inviting the intrepid mountaineer. The states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Sikkim offer bases for mountaineering expeditions. For information and arrangements you are requested to contact with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110021). Sonata Travels will make all the arrangements including transport, food, porters, camping equipments etc. and will also process and clear all formalities. The IMF will assist in liaising with the Indian Air Force (for helicopters) in case of accidents, in conveying weather forecasts to the expeditions etc. The best season for mountaineering is from May to October.

Cautions
The Indian Wildlife (protection) Act bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are, therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives -specially ivory articles, fur and skin articles derived from wild animals such as Shahtoosh.

Foreigner should not buy, sell or use psycho-tropic drugs or any other narcotic substances while in India, as their purchase, sale or possession is a cognizable offence punishable by imprisonment.

Do not accept food from strangers. There have been reports of travellers being drugged and robbed on trains. Take particular care of your passport and valuables when boarding and whilst on the train.

Health and Disease-Prevention Tips (tips for staying healthy in India)
Protect yourself from mosquito and insect bites: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors.
NEVER eat food purchased from street vendors, and avoid food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever).

Do not drink beverages with ice.
Avoid dairy products (i.e. yogurts, milk), unless you know they have been pasteurized.
Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis.

Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas.

Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping is an important part of travel in India. At hotels and restaurants, tipping is the norm.About 10% of the bill is usually acceptable. It is not mandatory to tip cab drivers. Porters are usually tipped at the end of your stay, though tipping at the beginning may result in a higher standard of service. If you are in a big group and the food bill is high, the tip on the total can come down to 5% However, you will have a number of other opportunities of tipping to your waiters in restaurants, to your car driver, to your guide and to the bell-hops at the hotels. For the waiters, leave anything from Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 unless you are a part of a very large group, in which case the total amount you may wish to leave behind is Rs. 500 or so. Consider Rs. 200 or so per day for your car driver. Again if you are in a bus with a number of other people, this could be increased to Rs. 300 or so. Bell-hops could be given Rs. 50 (in a small hotel) to Rs. 100 (in grand hotel) per trip.

Airport in Delhi, India

ARRIVAL: When you arrive, we will check through customs, and proceed to the luggage carousels. At this time, we will also be changing money at the bank tellers at the airport. In the past, we have recommended that you change all your money into Rupees, as it is a challenge to have your dollars changed. And you'll get the best exchange rates at the banks (The Traveler’s Checks give you the best exchange rate, even better than cash!). Once everyone has cleared customs, got their luggage, and exchanged money, we will proceed out of the airport. Be aware-- as soon as you leave the airport, you will have dozens of young men swooping in and upon you to "help" you carry or roll your luggage. Do not let them help you! They only do this to get money from you once you have rolled your luggage to your vehicle waiting in the parking. And as long as they can have a hand on your things, they feel they have "helped" you and will demand money from you as soon as you arrive at the parking area.

DEPARTURE
Prior to departure, you will want to change all your money back into US dollars (the 5-star hotel is a good place to do this on the evening of our departure). We will have people there to help guide everyone through the masses and into the airport. Luggage carts at the airport are free to use, so take one (or two) for your luggage-- it will help move things along faster. You will want to have your e-ticket and passport to show the guard at the door (they won't want to let you in without it!). Once you are in the airport, you will need to have your luggage scanned at security (they'll put a security sticker on it). After security, you can proceed to the airline check-in counter-- usually there are long, long lines here.